On Saturday, 30 May, seventy-six Durham Freemasons and four specially selected women Freemasons from across the Durham Freemasons area travelled to London to take part in a landmark event that is helping to challenge long-held misconceptions about Freemasonry and highlight its increasingly open and inclusive future.
Representing communities from across the Durham Freemasons area, from the Tyne to the Tees, the Dales to the Sea, the group attended the annual Light Blues Communication at Freemasons’ Hall in London. The event marked a significant milestone as members of the Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women were formally welcomed to attend for the first time.
Among those representing Durham were the South West Durham couple, Owen and Joanna Guy-Fisher, both Freemasons. Owen is a Freemason in Shildon, while Joanna is a member of City of Durham Lodge No. 105 in the Order of Women Freemasons.
The event, which attracted more than 1,600 Freemasons from across England and Wales, highlighted the changing face of Freemasonry and its commitment to being more open and accessible while remaining rooted in its traditional values of friendship, integrity, respect and service. Across the Durham Freemasons area, members support local communities through charitable giving, fundraising and volunteering, contributing thousands of hours each year to local good causes and community initiatives.
For Owen and Joanna, the occasion provided an opportunity to demonstrate that Freemasonry today is far broader than many people realise.
Joanna said:
“Many people are surprised to learn that women have their own Masonic organisations with a long and proud history.
“Being invited to attend the Light Blues Communication was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the strong relationships that exist across the wider Masonic family.
“Perhaps most importantly, events like this help challenge the outdated perception that Freemasonry is only for men. Freemasonry offers friendship, personal development and opportunities to support local communities for both men and women through their respective organisations.
“Many people only see Freemasonry through myths and stereotypes. In reality, much of our time is spent building friendships, supporting charities and helping our local communities.
“I was delighted to attend alongside fellow women Freemasons from across Durham and to meet so many newer members from throughout England and Wales. The welcome we received was warm, genuine and extremely encouraging.”
Owen said:
“It was a proud moment to share the experience with Joanna.
“Many people still assume Freemasonry is exclusively for men, but the presence of women Freemasons at this event showed how much wider the Masonic family really is.
“Whether it is raising money for local charities, supporting community groups or volunteering our time, Freemasonry is about making a positive difference. Events like this help people see that side of what we do.
“The fact that we were able to attend such an important occasion together sends a positive message about what Freemasonry looks like in the twenty-first century.”
John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, welcomed the inclusion of the women’s Orders.
He said:
“The Light Blues Communication is about the future of Freemasonry and ensuring that newer members feel engaged, valued and connected.
“It was particularly pleasing to see representatives of the women’s Orders joining the event for the first time. Whilst our organisations remain separate, we share many of the same values and aspirations, and opportunities to strengthen understanding and friendship across the wider Masonic family are to be welcomed.
“I was especially delighted to see Joanna and the other women Freemasons representing Durham at what was a truly historic occasion.
“While Freemasonry is often associated with tradition and ceremony, much of its impact is seen through the charitable and community work undertaken by our members every day across the Durham Freemasons area.
“The attendance of 76 Durham Freemasons demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment of our newer members, who are helping to shape the future of Freemasonry across our area.”
The event reinforced the message that Freemasonry continues to evolve while remaining true to its core values of friendship, integrity, respect and service. For Durham’s representatives, whose work includes charitable fundraising, volunteering and supporting community organisations across the region, it was an opportunity to celebrate those values, build new friendships and play a part in a significant moment in the continuing story of Freemasonry.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
